The California Avocado Commission has announced that the ProGibb LV Plus Plant Growth Regulator Solution, which contains gibberellic acid, will remain available to avocado growers in California under a renewed Special Local Need (SLN) registration. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation approved the commission’s request for renewal on March 3, 2026, extending the SLN through July 31, 2029.
Valent Biosciences, the manufacturer of ProGibb LV Plus, was unable to secure full registration for its use on avocados before the previous SLN expired. According to Valent’s representatives: “Our plan is to eventually move this SLN use on the master label of ProGibb. But there are several other uses on the ProGibb label that needs to be amended (grapes, oranges, etc.) and when all these use patterns are finalized Valent will make the submission to EPA, and after approval to CDPR. Realistically, to get the avocado use pattern on the label of the commercial ProGibb bottles will likely take a couple of years due to the long review processes at the EPA and CDPR.”
The application instructions for ProGibb LV Plus remain unchanged from previous guidelines. For ground applications, users should mix 12.5 fluid ounces of product with at least 100 gallons of water per acre; aerial applications require mixing with at least 75 gallons per acre. Only one application is permitted each year.
The restricted entry interval is four hours and there is no preharvest interval required, allowing growers flexibility in their harvest and grove management schedules.
ProGibb LV Plus can be used in both organic and conventional avocado production systems.
Growers are reminded that they must have a copy of the updated SLN label during application and obtain authorization from their County Agricultural Commissioner or designee before using ProGibb LV Plus. This SLN applies only to products manufactured by Valent BioSciences Corporation; generic gibberellic acid products are not covered.
For further information about this SLN registration or guidance on using ProGibb LV Plus, growers can consult their local Pest Control Advisor or contact Tim Spann at tim@spannag.com.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources supports agricultural initiatives like this by sharing science-based practices across California communities through research and outreach programs (official website). The organization operates offices in every county as well as nine Research and Extension Centers throughout diverse ecosystems (official website). UC Agriculture and Natural Resources also maintains an affiliation with the University of California (official website), providing expertise that enhances well-being and economic opportunities statewide.